Best of Design Matters: Lucy Sante

The American Thesaurus of Slang, compiled by Lester V. Berry and Melvin Van Den Bark, is a comprehensive collection of slang terms used in the United States, primarily focusing on the period around its publication in 1942. It's organized thematically as a thesaurus, grouping related terms together, making it a valuable resource for writers and researchers interested in historical slang. The book offers insights into the social and cultural contexts of slang usage, reflecting the linguistic evolution of American English. Its detailed entries provide definitions, etymologies, and usage examples, showcasing the richness and diversity of American slang. The thesaurus remains a significant reference work for understanding the language of a specific era.

The Tom Swift series, written under the pseudonym Victor Appleton (and later ghostwriters), is a long-running series of science fiction novels featuring the adventures of Tom Swift, a young inventor. The series is known for its imaginative plots, focus on technology, and emphasis on scientific principles. Tom Swift books were popular with young readers for generations, introducing them to the world of science and invention. The series' enduring appeal lies in its ability to provide exciting adventures while also sparking an interest in science and technology. The books have also been adapted into various media, including television shows and films.

The Hardy Boys series, created by Edward Stratemeyer, follows the adventures of Frank and Joe Hardy, teenage brothers who solve mysteries and crimes in their hometown of Bayport. The series, which began in 1927, has undergone several revisions and updates over the years to modernize the content and remove social and ethnic stereotypes. The books are known for their blend of mystery, adventure, and family values, with the brothers often working together to solve cases that sometimes involve their father, detective Fenton Hardy.

The Nancy Drew series, written under the pseudonym Carolyn Keene, is a long-running series of mystery novels featuring the teenage detective Nancy Drew. The books follow Nancy's adventures as she solves various mysteries, often involving thrilling chases, clever deductions, and daring escapes. The series is known for its strong female protagonist and its emphasis on problem-solving and adventure. The books have been popular with young readers for generations, inspiring a love of mystery and adventure. The series' enduring appeal lies in its engaging plots, relatable characters, and timeless themes of justice and perseverance. Nancy Drew remains an iconic figure in children's literature, representing a strong and independent female character.

Mike Mandel and Larry Sultan's "Evidence" is a seminal work of conceptual photography, utilizing images sourced from the archives of the Library of Congress. The book presents a collection of photographs that explore themes of memory, history, and the construction of identity. Mandel and Sultan's approach is characterized by its ironic juxtaposition of images, creating a sense of unease and questioning. The book's significance lies in its innovative use of archival material and its exploration of the complexities of representation. The book's impact on contemporary photography is undeniable.

Charlotte's Web, written by E.B. White, is a timeless children's classic that tells the story of Wilbur, a pig, and Charlotte, a spider, who form an unlikely friendship. The story is set on a farm and revolves around the efforts of Charlotte to save Wilbur from being slaughtered. Through their relationship, the book explores themes of friendship, courage, self-sacrifice, and the natural cycle of life and death. The novel is known for its vivid depiction of farm life and its ability to address complex emotions and themes in a way that is accessible to children. The book has been widely acclaimed and has sold over 45 million copies worldwide since its publication in 1952.

This book provides an arresting and entertaining view of what New York was actually like in its early days. It is not the familiar saga of mansions, avenues, and robber barons, but rather the story of the city's slums, teeming streets, and various forms of vice and entertainment. The book is divided into four parts, examining the topography of Manhattan, opportunities for vice and entertainment, the forces of law and order, and the city's tides of revolt and idealism. It is a provocative book about urban life, evoking the mythology of the modern metropolis and its relevance to the present and future of all cities.

Finnegans Wake is James Joyce's final and most complex work, written over a period of seventeen years. The novel is set in a dream world where the protagonist, Humphrey Chimpden Earwicker (HCE), and his family—wife Anna Livia Plurabelle (ALP) and their children Shem, Shaun, and Issy—undergo various transformations and identities. The book is known for its innovative use of language, combining elements from multiple languages and creating new words through portmanteaus and puns. It explores themes of identity, history, and the cyclical nature of life, drawing on Irish mythology, biblical narratives, and personal experiences. The novel's structure is circular, ending with the sentence that begins the book, creating a continuous loop.